Where do I start?! This is the most amazing backpack I have ever had or ever seen on anyone, like, ever. I'm going to leave a generous review because of how ecstatic I am to have found this. I was delivered three backpacks prior to this [fourth] one, but none of them fit my 17.3-inch Dell Inspiron Starlord laptop. This backpack was the one.
Let's start with the color. It's not gray-ish, it's not gunmetal, it's a beautiful matte black, just like I was hoping. The color is true to the images on the product profile and description.
The Alien face on the middle of the backpack is perfectly in place and straight. (I saw a review where it was actually not in place). It has a film protector that I did not remove before taking the attached pictures. Honestly, I hate when those things scratch. I am expecting this one to scratch, too, because I'm a total idiot and just hurl my backpacks anywhere on the floor. So be mindful of that if you're as picky as I am.
There are no visible water bottle holders, but if you look at the pictures, you'll see my chubby little hand stretching out the bottle holder that is found inside a tiny zipper on the bottom left-hand corner of the backpack (your left side when you are wearing the backpack). It should stretch enough to fit a 20-ounce Dasani or Aquafina water. (I don't have a bottle near me to verify).
My 17.3 Dell laptop fits beautiful. The strap stretches over the laptop for a snug fit. Behind the laptop is the soft, amazing padding where my sweaty back will sweat on as I skip around campus. This backpack is constructed so that TSA can quickly zip open that pocket all the way till it lays flat. I did not have to nudge it a bit or squeeze it in at all, it is a perfect fit. The strap does stretch to maximum capacity over my huge laptop, but without being stretched out, it should be a snug fit for 15-inch laptops.
As you can see in the pictures, I have two college textbooks, a planner, a one-subject notebook, and my portable computer mouse inside the black case. On the smaller pocket, I have my 10,000 mah power bank charger, financial calculator, pens, micro USB charger, and will probably fit in some other random things. This backpack would've been ideal if it had an attached USB connecting to a power bank, but whatever. (I will not deduct any stars from this review whatsoever).
I also included a picture of the back padding and shoulder straps. With my laptop and the aforementioned items inside the backpack, it weighed approximately 15 pounds, but it wasn't burdensome at all, and it feels more than sturdy to handle more weight. The straps seem comfortable. I'm not sure what's going to fit in that small Alien pocket, but I'm sure I'll find something to stuff in there. (Maybe an emergency K-cup for a campus Keurig).
Overall, the backpack is phenomenal quality and I'm very happy I found it after so many tries. I also couldn't believe the price! If there is a market for huge backpacks for huge laptops, expect the price for this one to increase. It's way too undervalued. (Sorry if the price does indeed increase... I'm a broke college student, I wouldn't appreciate it either...)
Hopefully I captured everything you need to hear. I'm not getting paid for this review, I'm just very grateful it exists!